Lionel Messi sends a touching message to Argentine Olympic gold medalist José Torres Gil after the BMX rider makes history at the Paris Games.
Lionel Messi has sent a moving message to Argentine Olympic gold medalist José Torres Gil, who has made history at the Olympic Games.
Messi, who is now following the action from a distance, with the 2024 Games taking place in Paris, a city he knows well from his time at Ligue 1 giants PSG. The World Cup winner has a lot of free time currently as he recovers from an ankle injury that prevents him from playing for MLS team Inter Miami.
Messi was one of those who tuned in to the final of the men’s freestyle BMX event. Gil was considered a low-profile competitor in that competition, but he earned a score of 94.82 in his first round, which was enough to claim the top prize. Messi said in a message on social networks: “Congratulations, really enjoy that gold medal.”
Gil, speaking about conquering the world in his chosen profession, said: “Total madness, it made me cry. The level was extraordinary. The best athletes on the planet were here in Paris. I competed against the best in the world and I felt incredible; “I feel part of this incredible universe.”
Gil has become the first Argentine to win an individual Olympic gold medal in a cycling discipline. Their success is also the first for their country at the 2024 Games, with Messi and company hoping to celebrate many more as they cheer on their compatriots.
